Irish Handicappers' corner

World Racing / Timeform / 05 March 2010 / Leave a comment

Nicanor battling it out with Denman at the 2006 Cheltenham Festival

With the weights for the Cheltenham handicap's published earlier in the week, Timeform's Irish team have come up with three to keep on side at this year's Festival.

"Mourad appeals as the type that will relish the kind of test the Coral Cup presents and it’s not impossible that Ruby Walsh will take the ride".

Having beaten none other than Denman when successful in the 2006 Royal & Sunalliance Hurdle, the Noel Meade-trained Nicanor hasn't really gone on to reach the heights that were once expected of him, with a series of injuries keeping his appearances to a minimum prior to this term. That said, we believe he rates as one of the most interesting contenders in this year's renewal of the Jewson Novices Handicap Chase. Having reached the frame on his first five starts over fences, including when runner-up to subsequent Irish Arkle winner An Cathaoir Mor at Fairyhouse in January, Nicanor was by no means all out to get off the mark over the larger obstacles when beating Deal Done at Navan last time, leading on the bridle between the last 2 and idling. A British chase mark of 140 looks to underplay Nicanor's ability, whilst he can be expected to improve for a return to a sounder surface, with the pick of his hurdles form coming on good ground.

Willie Mullins had his best ever Festival last season and despite the trainer having what you could describe as a 'scattergun approach' to his runners over the course of the four days the majority of them should never be ignored. A number of handicappers look interesting this year, with several having been given marks that don't differ greatly from their Irish ones (Hampshire Express the only notable exception). One that particularly catches our eye is last season's Triumph Hurdle-third Mourad, who off a British mark just 1 lb higher than his Irish equivalent, looks to have strong claims in the Coral Cup. Mourad should arguably be unbeaten in his two starts over two and a half miles, the combination of an overly-confident ride and a rare jumping error costing him victory when beaten a head by the rejuvenated War Of Attrition in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan in February. Mourad appeals as the type that will relish the kind of test the Coral Cup presents and it's not impossible that Ruby Walsh will take the ride.

If you asked most punters to compile a list of 'shrewd' trainers, it's a pretty safe bet that Tony Martin's name would crop up more often than not. Martin produced one of the most remarkable training performances of recent seasons when landing the William Hill Handicap Chase at the 2006 Festival with Dun Doire and the County Meath trainer relies on Lochan Lacha this year. Fourth to the progressive Whinstone Boy in the Thyestes at Gowran when last seen in January, Lochan Lacha was doing all his best work at the finish, and the thorough test of stamina looks sure to play to his strengths.

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